Masters blog: Day 1 leaderboard comments and observations
What a day it was. The first round of The Masters is in the books, so here are some leaderboard comments:
1) Jordan Spieth - What can you say about this kid? In his first 9 rounds at Augusta he is -29; the next best through the first 9 rounds is Tiger Woods at -21. Think about it.
T2) Danny Lee - I like his attitude and he made a lot of putts. Can he keep it up in his first Masters as a pro?
T2) Shane Lowry - Having watched him in person he looked awfully impressive from tee to green.
SEE MORE: Favorites and dark horses
T4) Paul Casey - I cannot figure this guy out. He always plays well at Augusta and then he disappears for nine months. He has played very solid golf to start this year, however.
T4) Justin Rose - This might be his year. He was a little off form in the practice round when I saw him, but again, he always finds his form here when the lights go on.
T4) Ian Poulter - Love him or hate him (I love him), he is a polarizing figure and is good for the game of golf. He's only in the tournament this week because of his finish here last year and has struggled quite a bit. Like Casey, he always seems to play well here.
T4) Soren Kjeldsen - Honestly, I do not know much about the Dane other than he looks exactly like John Cook and his son made a putt in the par 3 and rode the putter around the green like a horse. So he is my new favorite player. Period.
T4) Sergio Garcia - He is looking solid -- and I mean real solid. He made every putt he was supposed to make and hit a lot of quality shots. Remember what my dad said earlier in the week -- Friday is a big day for him as he plays in the early wave and it would be huge if he could put up a low number.
T9) Billy Horschel - Has anyone even mentioned him this week? Did they show him on TV? Talk about under the radar for a really solid player.
T9) Scott Piercy - The tall man from Vegas hits it as long as anyone out here, and while I did not see him play in person, I saw some shots on TV. He has won 3 times on tour, so he knows how to get it done.
T9) Rory - Look, he hands-down had the hardest of the conditions as I mentioned in last night's blog yet he played great and his round seemed to be turned around by an eagle 3 on 13. That is exactly what these par 5s can provide for players -- a much needed shot in the arm.
T9) Danny Willett - He was paired with Sergio and they seemed to feed off of each other. Everyone knows how much I think of this kid's game, and it showed today. Like Rory, he also played late and should have a good chance to go out early and post a score.
Remember, the cut here at The Masters is the top 50 players and ties OR anyone within 10 shots of the lead.
By: Raymond Floyd Jr.
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